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Spreading Bent

Agrostis stolonifera

Last reviewed: October 2026

Spreading Bent (Agrostis stolonifera)
Photo: (c) Saryu Mae 前 朝琉, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Spreading Bent (Agrostis stolonifera) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Spreading Bent as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native alternatives to Spreading Bent

Spreading Bent is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Spreading bent is a fine-textured cool-season grass that forms dense, low-growing mats through creeping stolons. It produces delicate flower panicles in summer and maintains its green color through most of the year. This grass spreads readily and is often used in high-maintenance lawn applications.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Spreading Bent takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Requires frequent watering and maintenance to look its best
  • May spread aggressively into other planted areas

Wildlife value

As a grass species, it provides minimal value to pollinators but can offer nesting material and seed for small birds. The dense growth habit may provide some cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Spreading Bent need?
Spreading Bent grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Spreading Bent bloom?
Spreading Bent blooms in June, July, and August.
Is Spreading Bent toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Spreading Bent as toxic to livestock.
Is Spreading Bent HOA-friendly?
Spreading Bent takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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